Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Big Water Film Festival?

The 2018 Big Water Film Festival will run November 7-11, 2018. Wednesday and Thursday night showings are in surrounding towns. The Friday and Saturday events (and Sunday events, if we schedule Sunday events) are in Ashland.

Where does the Big Water Film Festival take place?

The big Water Film Festival takes place at the Bay Theater in Ashland, Wisconsin. The Bay Theater is in the center of Ashland’s business district, close to numerous restaurants, shops, bars, and coffee houses, and one block from Lake Superior and Ashland’s lakeshore walking and biking trail.

Big Water Bayfield will be at the Bayfield Carnegie Library.

Our Drummond Night is held at the the Drummond High School Auditorium.

Our Friday Night Gala Reception will be held across the street from the Bay Theater at The Office Bar.

The Vaughn Public Library, across the street from the Bay Theater, will host Cinema and Cinnamon Rolls on Saturday morning.

What is the deadline to submit films for consideration for this year’s Big Water Film Festival?

The deadline for film submissions is July 15, 2017.

Can I submit my film online?

For review and acceptance purposes, we can view Vimeo or other links as long as you provide us with the password. Or send us an NTSC version of Blu-ray or DVD. If you do send us an online link to view your film, and we like your film, it will be provisionally accepted, provided we receive a DVD, Blu-ray disc, or DCP by a later specified date for screening at the Festival. (We do not want to risk any technical glitches marring the showing of your film via streaming.) Please make sure you send, with your film, the entry form and the $10 entry fee. Or, you can pay the entry fee via Paypal. The Paypal button will appear when you have completed the on-line entry form.

What are the criteria used to accept films?

We are looking for films that are “as fresh as the water of Lake Superior.” The Big Water Film Festival selects a wide range of films. We actively support the creative efforts of regional and local filmmakers, as well as national and international films. BWFF welcomes features, shorts, documentaries, and animation.

How can I participate in the Big Water Film Festival?

There are many ways to participate.

As a film fan, you can attend the Festival, and cast your ballot for the “Audience Favorite” Award.

As a filmmaker, you are invited to submit your films for consideration for the up coming film festival. The deadline for film submissions is July 15th, 2017. The Committee encourages early entries. Submit your film today.

As a sponsor of the Big Water Film Festival, your financial backing will help put on the show and bring filmmakers to the Festival. The Big Water Film Festival is a project of the Bay Area Film Society, a 501(c)(3)-recognized non-profit organization, so any personal donation is tax deductible. Become a sponsor today.

As a fan of film, you might be especially interested in Cinema and Cinnamon Rolls, our Saturday morning event where filmmakers discuss various aspects of the craft.

Volunteers are needed for the Festival weekend, from set-up on Friday through awards on Sunday. Volunteers who work during one block of films can see another film block of their choice for free. Click here to become a volunteer.

What do tickets cost?

There are choices! You can purchase a Festival Pass for the whole Festival (including Big Water Bayfield and Drummond Night) for the amazingly low price of $35! Or, if your time is limited, you can purchase a block of films on any day for just $8. Day passes are also available for $15. Tickets may be purchased here.

What awards are offered at the Big Water Film Festival?

Everyone who attends any block of the Festival is eligible to vote for the films they view for the Audience Favorite Award. You will receive ballots for each eligible film as you enter the theater.

BWFF also awards prizes for Best Feature Film, Best Documentary, Best Short Film, Best Short Short and the Loren Savitsky Young Filmmaker Award. Each award comes with a certificate, a $150 check, and an award bowl hand-thrown by the potters at Stone’s Throw in Bayfield.

What is the Loren Savitsky Young Filmmaker Award?

The Loren Savitsky Young Filmmaker Award is given each year to one filmmaker age 25 or younger whose work screens at the Festival. The award is offered in honor of cinematographer and Washburn native Loren Savitsky who tragically died in a 2009 motorcycle accident in L.A. at the young age of 23. A graduate of Brooks Institute of Photography, Loren was cinematographer on the short film, Just One of the Gynos, which screened at the 2008 Big Water Film Festival, and earned Best Short Film honors.